Gold Coast Attractions

Things to do in and around the Gold Coast

You will fall head over heels in love with Australia's Gold Coast. First port of call could be one of the region's thrill-a-minute theme parks, family entertainment centres, wildlife parks or far resorts. Ride a giant roller coaster or water slide, be entertained by colourful characters, take in the sights from a hot-air balloon, learn to throw a boomerang and shear a sheep or feed brilliantly coloured lorikeets, kangaroos and wallabies.

There are stunts galore, from dolphins and high-flying acts to crazy magic and wild west adventures. Lose yourself in a world of mystery and illusion or the fascination of interactive hi-tech games. Take a cruise and explore magnificent waterways or a 4WD tour through enchanting rainforests. whatever you do, wherever you go, you're sure to have the time of your life.

At Dreamworld, Australia's favourite family theme park, guests can ride the fastest, tallest ride in the world, experience the thrills of action rides like the Wipeout and Thunderbolt, watch adventure films on a six storey high screen, cuddle koalas, encounter wild cougars and see tigers playing and swimming with their handlers at Tiger Island.

Riding the fastest, tallest ride in the world, Dreamworld's Tower of Terror, is an experience like no other. Peaking at 38 storeys high and stretching the equivalent of three football fields across the Park, the Tower of Terror is the world's leading edge thrill ride, achieving unprecedented speeds of up to 160 km per hour.

Dreamworld's wildest attraction, Tiger Island, is a unique interactive animal attraction and one of only two in the world. It is Dreamworld's eleventh themed world and features five rare Bengal tigers, three gold and two white, interacting with a team of dedicated tiger handlers. In the specifically designed habitat of Tiger Island, the tigers and their handlers co-exist peacefully. They play, swim, wrestle and relax together all day long, creating a unique experience for Dreamworld guests.

Drop through the amazing fibre-optic lighting effects in Terror Canyon at Wet'n'Wild Water Park, or take a bobsled ride along the wide sweeping bends of River Rapids. The water park also features Dive-In Movies. Feel the heat of the Bermuda Triangle, a great adventure ride waiting for you at Sea World, one of the Gold Coast's longest-running theme parks. Bermuda Triangle is an exciting hi-tech ride through a dazzling display of animatronics and special effects.

You can also enjoy Sea World's other wonderful attractions including the Dolphin and Sea Lion Celebration and International Ski Spectacular. Test your skills at Cable Ski World on a fabulous range of outdoor activities. There's cable skiing, bungy jumping and go-karting as well as scuba diving.

Wild Adventures

For 50 years visitors have been flocking to Australia's Gold Coast for some very wild adventures. Today there is a wide range of attractions and tours offering wildlife experiences, from feeding colourful birds and enchanting Australian animals to exploring spectacular wilderness areas.

See koalas, cassowaries, wombats, crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, emu, platypus, dingoes, possums, Tasmanian devils, lorikeets, bilbies and more at a range of award-winning attractions including Currumbin Sanctuary, Fleays Wildlife Park, Pioneer Plantation, Koala Country at Dreamworld, Tropical Fruit World and the wildlife sanctuary at Royal Pines Resort.

A day on the farm is another popular way of exploring the Gold Coast's natural attractions. Feed lambs, hop on a horse for an invigorating trail ride, learn to throw a boomerang, crack a whip, shear a sheep or milk a cow and enjoy the real Aussie treat of billy tea and damper. Paradise Country, Aussie Country (Down Under), Kooralbyn Hotel Resort Midginbil Hill Farm Resort and Melaleuca Station are among the attractions offering a closer peek at farm animals and farming life.

If you prefer the excitement of catching a glimpse of birds and animals in the wild, or even capturing spectacular landscapes on film, join in 4WD safaris, guided bushwalks or mountain bike tours.

Gold Coast Links